Full Day K may be coming to North Rockland in this year’s state budget

After years of lobbying and community activism, North Rockland School District may finally be receiving the state funding needed to begin a full day kindergarten program. The district currently is one of a handful in the state with half-day kindergarten.

Assemblymembers James Skoufis (D-Woodbury) and Kenneth Zebrowski (D-New City) told the community that Governor Cuomo’s executive budget proposal included funding for the full day K. The Senate had previously indicated support for the idea, as well. Skoufis and Zebrowski represent two of five remaining districts – North Rockland and Washingtonville – that have yet to make the switch to full-day kindergarten.

Under Cuomo’s plan, in the first year only, the state covers 100 percent of the additional costs associated with a district’s transition from half-day to full-day kindergarten. The executive proposal announced this week provides funding for 50 percent of the costs in year two.

This is a great first step to finally achieving equality for Kindergarteners across New York State,” said Zebrowski. “Assemblyman Skoufis and I have been pushing for years to implement a system that gives every kid the same classroom time. I thank the governor for including this proposal and we will now work together to develop a final plan that makes full-day kindergarten a reality.”